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Critter Candy Corner




Families are like fudge . . . mostly sweet, with a few nuts.


You will find recipes for Chocolate Candy here: Chocolate Candy

Apricot Orange Lollipops
Buttery Pecan Caramels
Candy Strawberries
Christmas Bonbons
Christmas Hard Candy
Cinnamon Candy
Creamcicle Fudge
Crystal Candy 
Date Loaf Candy 
Divinity and Variations
15 Minute Peanut Butter Fudge
Fig Butterscotch Drops
Golden Buttery Peanut Brittle
Golden Fudge
Gramma's Peanut Butter Fudge
Honey Drops
Horehound Candy
Joann's Peanut Brittle
Macaroons(1800s.recipe)
Marshmallow Candy
Marshmallow Creme Candy Cups
Martha Washington Candy
Milk Caramel
Molasses Candy
Northwestern Apple Candy
No Bake Special K Candies
Old Fashion Divinity
Old Timey Seafoam
Orange Candy
Pastel Popcorn Balls
Peanut Brittle
Peanut Butter Balls
Peanut Butter Candy Squares
Peanut Butter Cups
Peanut Butter Eggs
Peanut Butter Fudge
Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares
Peanut Patties
Pecan Cream Candy
Pecan Roll
Peppermint Hard Candy
Popcorn Balls
Pralines
Reeses Pieces Recipe
Salted Nut Squares
Southern Pecan Candy
Surprise Sweet Potato Candy
Sweet Potato Bon-Bon Candy
Vanilla Fudge
Walnut Cream Nougat
White Fudge


A bus station is where a bus stops.
A train station is where a train stop.
Now, on my desk I have a workstation..




While popcorn balls aren't truly candy, my grandma made these for her large household of children. I'd go visit and with my grandpa raising his own popcorn, this was a treat made quite often.

Popcorn Balls

 
1 c. Karo (blue label)
1 tsp. vinegar
2 tbs. butter
1 1/2 quarts popped corn
1/4 tsp. salt
 
Put Karo and vinegar in a caucepan and cook, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, to 275 degrees (or until a little dropped in cold water is brittle).  Add butter and stir only enough to mix.  Pour cooked syrup slowlyover salted popped corn and mix well.  Form into balls with hands, using as little pressure as possible.
 
Yield: 10 popped corn balls, about 2 1/2 inches in diameter.



Surprise Sweet Potato Candy

Texas Country Reporter Cookbook

2 c. sugar
1/2 c. margarine
1 c. evaporated milk
1/2 c. raw grated sweet potatoes
2 c. small marshmallows
1 c. graham cracker crumbs
2 tsp. vanilla
2 c. chopped pecans

In a large saucepan combine sugar, margarine, and milk and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until mixture boils. Add sweet potatoes. While stirring, continue to boil until mixture reaches soft-ball stage (235º on a candy thermometer). Remove from heat and add marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs. Stir until marshmallows are melted and well blended.  Add vanilla and pecans, mixing well.  Pour into a buttered (or your could line with waxed paper--making clean up easier?) 9-inch square baking dish.  Cool completely before cutting into squares.




Peanut Patties

3 c. raw peanuts
3 c. sugar
2/3 c. white syrup
1 c. evaporated milk
1 tsp. vanilla
Red Food coloring

Combine first four ingredients and cook to hard ball stage.  Remove from heat and add vanilla and a few drops food coloring. Beat until creamy.
Pour into greased muffin pans.  Don't cook if the humidity is high as the patties will not set.




Salted Nut Squares (tastes like Payday Candybars)

3 c. salted peanuts without skins, divided
3 tbs. butter or margerine
2 c. (12 ounces) Peanut butter chips
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
2 c. miniature marshmallows

Place half of the peanuts in an ungreased 11-in. X 7-in. baking pan; set aside. In a saucepan, melt butter and peanut butter chips over low heat.

Add  milk and marshmallows; cook and stir until melted. Pour over peanuts.
Sprinkle the remaining peanuts on top. Press down slightly. Cover and refrigerate. Cut into bars. 5 - 6 dozen.




Golden Fudge

Makes 64 pieces 

1 c. whipping cream
1/2 c. water
1/4 c. light corn syrup
3 tbs. unsalted butter
3 c. granulated sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Butter n 8" square baking pan; set aside. In a heavy 4-quart saucepan, combine milk, water, corn syrup, butter and salt. place over medium-high heat and stir with a wooden spoon until mixture comes to a boil. If sugar crystals are present, wash down sides of pan with a wet pastry brush.

Clip on a candy thermometer. Stirring constantly, cook to 238°or soft ball stage.
Remove from heat. Without stirring, pour vanilla over mixture. Leaving thermometer in the pan, cool mixture until it reaches 110°). Remove thermometer.  Using a wooden spoon, stir mixture for several minutes until it starts to thicken and lose its gloss. Scrape into prepared pan. Refrigerate 4 hours or until firm. Cut into 1" squares.



Golden Buttery Peanut Brittle

2 c. sugar
1 c. light corn syrup
1/2 c. water
1 c. LAND O LAKES® Butter, cut into pieces
2 c. raw Spanish peanuts
1 tsp. baking soda


Combine sugar, corn syrup and water in 3-quart heavy saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved and mixture comes to a full boil (8 to 12 minutes).

Add butter; continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until candy thermometer reaches 280°F or small amount of mixture dropped into ice water forms a hard but pliable strand (30 to 40 minutes).

Stir in peanuts; continue cooking, stirring constantly, until candy thermometer reaches 305°F or small amount of mixture dropped into ice water forms a hard brittle strand (15 to 17 minutes).

Remove from heat; stir in baking soda. Immediately pour mixture onto two buttered baking sheets; spread evenly to about 1/4-inch thick. Cool completely. Break into pieces. Store in airtight container.

Makes 72 candies (2 1/4 pounds)


This recipe created by Land O'Lakes.



Southern Pecan Candy

2 c. whole milk
4 c. sugar
1 c. butter
1 t. vanilla
2 c. broken pecans

In a saucepan, cook milk and sugar on medium-low heat for one hour. Add pecans, butter and vanilla and cook on medium heat until mixture reaches softball stage. Remove from heat and whip with a whisk for one minute. Pour onto a greased cookie sheet, spread and let cool. Break into pieces and store in an air tight container for up to one month.




Horehound Candy

1 1/4 c. water
2 c. fresh horehound leaves or 1 cup dried horehound
4 c. packed brown sugar
1/4 c.light corn syrup

Put the water into a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat, add the horehound, cover the pan and simmer for 15 minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture stand for 1 hour to infuse. Strain the liquid and discard the horehound. Add the sugar and the corn syrup to the liquid, and boil it to the hard-crack stage — 300 degrees F on a candy thermometer.

Pour the syrup into a buttered 12 x 8-inch pan. When the candy begins to set, mark it into squares with the tip of a sharp knife. Cut the candy into pieces when cold.




Sweet Potato Bon-Bon Candy

1 lb. dried apricots, finely chopped
4 c. flaked coconut
2 c. chopped pecans, toasted
1 1/2 c. cooked sweet potato pureé
1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
2 lbs. powdered sugar


Mix all ingredients in large bowl. Chill 2 hours or until firm enough to handle. Shape chilled mixture into 1-inch balls. To make these more festive, dip in white chocolate or press a pecan into each candy before serving.




Pecan Cream Candy

2 1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. evaporated milk
1/2 c. light corn syrup
1/2 c. margarine
1 tsp. vanilla
2 - 2 1/2 c. chopped pecans

Mix all ingredients except vanilla and pecans. Bring to rolling boil; for 3 minutes. Remove from flame and add nuts and vanilla. Beat 3 to 4 minutes, drop by spoonful onto waxed paper. Makes 3 dozen.




Walnut Cream Nougat

3 lbs. white sugar (6 c.)
2 lbs. white corn syrup
1-1/2 pt. sweet cream or Half and Half
3 tsp. vanilla
3 c. walnuts

Stir first 3 ingredients together until thoroughly mixed. Using a large saucepan, set on medium heat and stir constantly with a wooden spoon. Boil until a small portion will form a medium-soft ball when tried in cold water. Remove from heat and stir until almost cold. Add nuts. Pour in buttered pan. If wrapped in wax paper and placed in airtight container, this will keep for months. Makes 5 pounds.





Molasses Candy

Molasses candy was made by our great-grandmothers

2 c. molasses
3 tbs. butter
2/3 c. sugar
1 tbs. vinegar.

First melt the butter, then add the molasses and sugar, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.

Boil over low heat until it is brittle when tested with some cold water. If you use a candy thermometer, it should register about 235 degrees.

Just before removing from the heat, add the vinegar and pour into well-buttered pans.

When cool enough to handle, you may pull until it turns light in color. Draw into sticks and cut into one inch lengths.

If you wish Molasses Nut Candy, add one cupful of chopped nut meats and a pinch of salt just before taking the candy from the stove.




Creamcicle Fudge

3/4 c. margarine
3 c. sugar
1- 7 oz. jar marshmallow cream
2/3 c. evaporated milk
10 oz. vanilla chips
3 tsp. orange flavoring
9 drops red food coloring
12 drops yellow food coloring

Mix sugar, milk and margarine in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat while stirring. Boil for three minutes. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla chips and marshmallow cream. Stir until chips are melted. Remove about one cup mixture and set aside. Add flavoring and food coloring to the remaining mixture left in pan. Mix well and pour in a 9 x 13" greased dish. Stir in the extra cup of mixture with knife using a swirl motion. Refrigerate until completely cool.
Cut into squares.



Cinnamon Candy

3 c. white sugar
1 c. white Karo
1 c. water
1 tbsp. red food coloring
2 tsp. cinnamon oil
1 pair scissors

Combine first 3 ingredients. Cook until hard crack using candy thermometer. Remove from heat. Stir in food coloring. Add in cinnamon oil, stirring well to mix. Pour into greased cookie sheet. When cool enough to touch, using scissors cut into bite-size pieces. Roll pieces in powdered sugar.



Martha Washington Candy

1 pkg. coconut (sm.)
2 c. chopped nuts
1 can Eagle Brand milk
1 stick margarine
2 lbs. powdered sugar, sifted

Melt margarine. Mix all ingredients well and roll into small balls. Put in refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Using toothpicks, dip balls in chocolate mixture (below)
1 (6 oz.) pkg. chocolate chips
1/4 lb. paraffin wax

Melt in double boiler and dip balls in. Place balls on waxed paper until chocolate has thickened.



Pecan Roll

1 c. cream
2 c. sugar
1/2 c. white corn syrup
1-1/2 c. pecans
1 c.light brown sugar

Boil cream, sugar, syrup, to soft-ball stage.(234-238 F). Cool to room temperature, then
beat till creamy. Turn out onto board dusted with powdered sugar, knead until firm. Shape
into a roll and cover the outside with pecans. Put in cool place to harden. Slice when
firm with a sharp knife.

Pecans can also be worked into the candy roll while kneading.





Marshmallow Creme Candy Cups

2 lb. Eagle Brand Milk Chocolate Candy Coating
1 or 2 large jars Marshmallow Creme or Fluff

Melt the chocolate over a double boiler or any method. Just be careful not to burn the chocolate. Using a brush or a small teaspoon, coat the bottom and sides of a paper cupcake cup thoroughly with the melted chocolate.

Put the chocolate lined paper cup into a muffin tin to hold its shape.
Then fill the cup full of Marshmallow Creme or Marshmallow Fluff to about 1/4 or 1/8 inch from top. Then fill in the top with more chocolate. Let sit until the chocolate sets up.




Gramma's Peanut Butter Fudge

2 c. sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
3/4 c. Carnation evaporated milk or whole milk
2 tbs. light corn syrup
4 tbs. peanut butter
1 tsp. vanilla

Cook sugar, salt, milk, and corn syrup to soft ball stage (234
ºF).
Cool. Add peanut butter and vanilla.  Beat until creamy.  Put in 9 x 9 x 2
pan.




Old Fashion Divinity

2 c. sugar
1/2 c. corn syrup
2 lg. egg whites
1 c chopped nuts
1/2 c. water
1/8 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/8 tbs. cream of tartar


Combine sugar, syrup, water, salt, and cream of tartar. Cover and boil 5 minutes. Uncover. Wipe sides of pan with damp cloth. Boil without stirring to firm ball stage (245
º - 248 ºF.). Remove from fire. Pour slowly, beating constantly, over stiffly beaten egg whites. Continue beating until mixture holds its shape when dropped from spoon. Add flavoring and nuts. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper, or pour into well-buttered pan. When cold cut in squares.




Peanut Butter Fudge

Yield: about 2 pounds

4 c. granulated sugar
1/4 c. light corn syrup
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 c. evaporated milk
3/4 c. water
1/3 c. chunk-style peanut butter
1 tsp. vanilla

In a saucepan, combine the sugar, syrup, salt, milk, and water. Bring mixture to a boil, cover, and cook 2 minutes. Uncover and cook without stirring until a little of the mixture dropped in cold water forms a soft ball (232º on a candy thermometer). Remove from heat. Cool to lukewarm (110º). Add peanut butter and the vanilla. Beat until mixture thickens and loses its gloss. Pour into a buttered 8x8x2-inch pan. Cool.




I would like to personally thank Leona Rogers for allowing me to post her recipe on my site. This recipe is one invented by her and is being used with her expressed permission. Thank you so much, Leona, for sharing such a lovely recipe with all of us.

Milk Caramel

2 c. sugar
1 c. white syrup
3 c. milk
1/4 c. butter
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla

Heat sugar and syrup in one cup of milk, stirring until dissolved.  Cook, stirring frequently to firm ball stage.  Slowly add second cup of milk; repeat cooking process.  Add last cup of milk, butter, and salt; cook to 246-248º on your candy thermometer, or until firm ball stage.  Remove from heat; add vanilla and nuts
(optional). 

Pour at once into buttered pan.




Candy Strawberries

They look like real strawberries!

 2 3-0z. pkg.. Strawberry Jell-O
 1 c. pecans, finely ground
 1 c. flaked coconut
 1/2 tsp. vanilla
 3/4 c. condensed milk
 red decorator sugar
 almonds, sliced, blanched

Combine Jell-O, pecans, and coconut.
Stir in milk and vanilla. Mix well. Chill 1 hour. Shape into strawberry shapes and roll in red decorator sugar.
Yields 1 pound, 3 ounces.

If your wish, tint sliced almonds with green food coloring to make leaves.



Apricot Orange Lollipops

Yield: 14 Lollipops

14  dried apricots
2 c.  sugar
3/4 c.  light corn syrup
1/2 c. water
1 tsp. orange extract

Press and stretch apricot halves to flatten and widen them as much as possible.  Place them on tray in toaster oven or on pan in oven. Heat in slow oven (250º F) for 15 minutes.

Cut 1 inch off the tops of 14 five ounce unwaxed paper cups to use as molds.  Rub shortening inside the rim of the cup.  With tip of a small knife, cut a 1/8-inch opening parallel to the rim.  Insert a flat wooden stick from the inside of the rim to the outside (This pushes the paper around the stick to the outside.)  Place molds with rims down on oiled cookie sheet.

Combine sugar, corn syrup and water in a 2-quart heavy saucepan. Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring constantly.  Continue to boil syrup until candy thermometer reads 300º F. (A teaspoonful of syrup will separate into hard, brittle threads when dropped in cold water.) Lower heat if syrup darkens.

Remove from heat and let stand 1 minute.  Stir in orange extract. Hold mold firmly against sheet; spoon or ladle about 1/8-inch syrup into each. Quickly press an apricot into the syrup in each cup and cover with another 1/8-inch of syrup.  Cool.

Carefully peel off paper molds.  Store in single layer in airtight container.



Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares

2 pkgs. butterscotch chips, or peanut butter chips
3/4 c.  peanut butter
1/2 c.  margarine

Put in a microwave for 2 to 3 minutes and stir 1 1/2 minutes into the melting.
Let cool a couple of minutes and add 4 cups  small marshmallows and stir
well.
Put in a 9 x 13 inch pan and spread evenly. Let cool completely, then cut into squares. Makes 16 to 20 squares, depending on size.


Vanilla Fudge

2 c. sugar
5-oz. can evaporated milk 
1/3 c. milk

1/8 tsp. salt
1/4 c. butter
1 tsp. vanilla extract
broken nuts (optional)

Line an 8x4x2-inch loaf pan with foil, extending foil over edges of pan.  Butter foil, set aside.

Butter the sides of a heavy 2-quart saucepan.  In saucepan combine sugar, evaporated milk, milk, and salt.  Cook and stir over medium-high heat to boiling.  Carefully clip a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan.  Cook and stir over medium-low-heat to 238º, soft-ball stage (this should take 25 to 35 minutes).

Immediately remove saucepan from heat.  Add butter and vanilla, but do not stir.  Cool mixture, without stirring, to 110º,
lukewarm (about 55 minutes).  Remove candy thermometer from saucepan.

Beat vigorously with a wooden spoon till fudge becomes very thick and just starts to lose its gloss (about 10 minutes total).  Do not over beat.

Immediately spread fudge into the prepared pan.  Score into 1-inch squares while warm.  Top each square with a piece of nut, if desired.

When candy is firm, use the foil to lift the fudge out of the pan.
Cut into squares.  Store, tightly covered, in the refrigerator.
Makes about 1 lb (32 servings).




This is a good peppermint candy.  Be sure to get peppermint oil at drug stores, cooking supply shops, etc.

Peppermint Hard Candy

 1 c. granular sugar
 1 c. light corn syrup
 1 c. water
 1/4 tsp. peppermint oil
 powdered sugar

Combine sugar, syrup, and water in a heavy saucepan.  Cook over medium-high heat until hard crack stage is reached (see note).  Add the oil and stir well.  Pour onto a cookie sheet that has been heavily coated with powdered sugar.  As soon as you can handle the peppermints start cutting with scissors into small irregular shapes.  Flavor may be varied
 with any kind of oil.

NOTE: You can test for hard crack stage with a thermometer or by immersing a teaspoonful of the candy mixture in very cold water for several seconds. It should harden almost immediately and break with a crack when removed from the water.



Date Loaf Candy

This recipe has been around about 50 years.

3 c. sugar
1 c. milk
6 tbs. light corn syrup
butter, the size of an egg (about 1/4 cup)
1 (8-ounce) package pitted dates
1 c. chopped nuts

Bring sugar, milk and syrup to a boil in a saucepan and boil until it forms a soft ball when dropped in cold water (234 degrees on a candy thermometer). Add butter and cutup dates. Bring to a boil and cook until dates are soft (248 degrees on candy thermometer).

Remove from heat. Add nuts. Beat until stiff. Pour onto a clean, damp cloth and form a long roll. Let cool and slice. This candy freezes well.


Peanut Butter Cups

 12 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped
 6 oz. milk chocolate, chopped
 2 tbs. butter
 1 c. peanut butter

Melt the chocolates and butter of hot water, stirring until smooth.
Melt peanut butter separately in the same manner.

Pour a scant tablespoon (15 ml) chocolate mixture into each of 16 cupcake liners; let cool.  Pour a tablespoon of the melted peanut butter over each chocolate later; let cool.  Finally, pour a tablespoon melted chocolate on top.  Cool at least one hour.  Trim excess paper from top.



Peanut Butter Eggs

 3/4 cup peanut butter
 1 cup 10X sugar
 1 tsp. vanilla
 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
 2 tbs. butter
 chocolate for dipping

 Cream all ingredients together with a mixer.  Roll in egg shapes and put in refrigerator until firm.  Dip in chocolate.


 

Reeses Pieces Recipe

1/3 pound of graham crumbs
1 1/2 sticks of melted butter
2 1/2 confectioners sugar
1 c. creamy peanut butter

Mix and press into 9 X 13 pan, melt 12 oz dark chocolate chips, and spread on top of mixture.
Refrigerate and cut into squares


Orange Candy

 3 c. sugar
1/4 c. water
1 c. evaporated milk -- undiluted
1 dash  salt
2 tsp. orange peel -- grated
1  c.  black walnuts -- chopped

Put 1 cup sugar into a HEAVY skillet and stir slowly with a wooden spoon over medium heat until the sugar is melted and caramelized to a golden brown color.

Add the water and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the remaining 2 cups sugar, evaporated milk and salt.

Place over low heat and stir constantly until the mixture boils. Cook, stirring frequently, until it reaches the soft ball stage (236º). Remove from heat; cool to lukewarm. Do not stir. Add the orange peel and nuts. Beat vigorously until the candy loses its gloss and will hold its shape when dropped from a spoon. Pour into lightly greased (margarine) 8 x 8 inch baking dish. Cool until set. Cut into squares before the candy becomes too firm.


Easy 15 Minute Peanut Butter Fudge
 

1 c.  sugar
1 c.  light brown sugar
1/4 tsp.  salt
1/2 c. milk
1 c. miniature marshmallows
1/2 c. peanut butter
1 tsp.  vanilla 

In a saucepan, combine sugars, salt and milk. Cook until temperature reaches 240ºF. on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat and add marshmallows, peanut butter and vanilla. Beat with a wooden spoon several minutes until thick and creamy and gloss disappears. Spread in a buttered 8" square pan. Cut into squares. Makes about 48 pieces.


White Fudge
 

2  c.  sugar
1/2  c. sour cream
1/3  c.  white corn syrup
2  tbs. margarine
1/4 tsp. salt
2  tsp. vanilla
1/4  c. candies cherries, chopped
1  c.  pecans, chopped 

In large heavy skillet, mix first 5 ingredients; cook to softball stage or 236º F.  Remove from heat; let stand 15 minutes. Add vanilla and beat; add cherries and nuts. Pour into buttered 8x8 inch pan.
 


Macaroons

1 lb. blanched sweet almonds
 Handful [1/2 c.] bitter almonds
 1-2 tsp. rose water
 Whites of 4 eggs
 1 lb. powdered sugar
 Butter to coat baking paper

One pound of blanched sweet almonds, and a handful of bitter. Pound them in a glass mortar with rose water to prevent their oiling. Beat to a stiff froth the whites of four eggs. Stir into them one pound of powdered loaf sugar, and then mix in gradually the almonds.

Drop them on buttered paper, sift over them some sugar, and bake quickly without browning. Leave them on the paper until cold.

From The Housekeeper's Encyclopedia by Mrs. E. F. Haskell, pub. 1861.


Old Timey Seafoam

1/2 c. light corn syrup
2 1/2 c. light brown sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup  water
2  egg whites
1 tsp.  vanilla extract
1 cup  coarsely chopped nuts 

In saucepan mix corn syrup, sugar, salt, and water. Cook, stirring, until sugar is dissolved.
Continue cooking, without stirring, until 248º registers on candy thermometer or a small amount of mixture dropped into very cold water forms a firm ball (this means it is firm when in the water but flattens when removed from water).

Beat egg whites until stiff but not dry. Pour about half of the syrup over the egg whites slowly, beating constantly. Cook remainder until 272º(F) registers on candy thermometer, or until a small amount of the mixture when dropped in very cold water forms  hard but not brittle threads. Add slowly to the first mixture and beat until mixture holds its shape. Add vanilla and nuts and drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper to form small candies.
    
Makes 1 & 1/2 pounds of candy.

Note*The difference between this and divinity is the use of brown sugar.


Pastel Popcorn Balls

Serves 16

1/4 c. vegetable oil
1/2 c. popcorn, unpopped
1/2 c. light corn syrup
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
food coloring 

 

 Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in 4 quart kettle 3 minutes.
Add popcorn.
Cover loosely.
Shake frequently over medium heat until popping stops.
Mix corn syrup, sugar and salt.
Tint with red or green food coloring.
Flavor with green with wintergreen and red with peppermint.
Add to corn, and stir over medium heat 3 to 5 minutes or until corn is completely coated.
Butter hands and shape mixture in balls about 1 1/2" diameter.
Wrap in saran.



  Peanut Brittle  

2 3/4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 stick unsalted butter
2/3 c. water
1 1/2 c. lightly salted peanuts
 

Makes 45 pieces.


Grease and line a 9 x 13-inch pan with foil.  

In a large, heavy saucepan over moderate heat, cook the sugar, butter,and water, stirring occasionally, until the mixture becomes a golden brown syrup, about 25 minutes. Remove to a cool surface.

 
Stir in the peanuts and pour mixture into the pan, spreading the nuts evenly.

Let peanut brittle set and cool before breaking into bite size pieces. It can be stored in an airtight container in a cool,dry place for up to 1 month.

Note: I have to tell this story on myself.Many years ago,while I was making huge batches of peanut brittle,I decided it would save a lot of time if I used the counter top in the kitchen instead of buttered pans.Scrubbing the counter really well,I applied butter and poured the new batch of peanut brittle onto the surface.Don't ever do it.It took the rest of the day to scrape it off.Kitchen counters definitely don't work like a marble slab.



Northwestern Apple Candy

4 To 5  unpeeled apples
2 tbs. unflavored gelatin
1/2 c. cold water
2 c. sugar
1 tbs. cornstarch
1/8 tsp. salt
2/3 c. coarsely chopped walnuts
1 tsp. grated lemon peel
1 tbs. lemon juice
1/3 c. confectioners' sugar (for-rolling)

Wash apples; without peeling or coring, cut in small pieces.  Cook until very tender in just enough water to avoid scorching.  Put through a food mill or sieve and measure 2 cups pulp into a 2 quart heavy saucepan. Cook until thick, stirring often.

Soften gelatin in cold water. Mix sugar, cornstarch and salt; add to apple pulp.  Cook again over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is very thick.  Add gelatin; stir until gelatin is dissolved and mixture is again thick.  Remove from heat.

Stir in walnuts, lemon peel, and juice.  Turn into an 8" square shallow glass dish that has been rinsed with cold water.  Let stand 24 hours.

Cut rectangles (about 60).  Roll in confectioners sugar, and place on rack until outside is dry.  Store in covered container.   Makes about 1 pound 12 ounces.

Note: You can use 2 cups sweetened canned applesauce to make this confection, but reduce the amount of sugar from 2 to 1-1/3 cups.
 
 


Peanut Butter Candy Squares

 4 c.  toasted rice cereal
1/4 c.  butter or regular margarine
  7 oz. marshmallow creme; 1 jar
1/3 c.  peanut butter 

Heat the rice cereal on a 15 1/2 X 10 1/2 X 1-inch jelly roll pan in a 350ºF. oven for 10 minutes.  Meanwhile, combine the butter, marshmallow creme and peanut butter in the top of a double boiler.
Place over hot water and stir until melted.  Remove from the heat.
Place the cereal in a large buttered bowl.  Pour the peanut butter mixture over all and mix well. Turn the mixture into an aluminum foil lined 9-inch square baking pan. Press into an even layer.  Cool and cut into 36 (1 1/2-inch) squares.
 



Marshmallow Candy

6 tbs.  cold water
2 pkg.  unflavored gelatin (Knox)
1/2 c.  water
1 1/2 c.  sugar

Soak gelatin in 6 tablespoons cold water. Mix sugar and 1/2 cup water and bring to boil. Add softened gelatin and cool to just barely warm. Beat with electric beater about 5 minutes. Use immediately in fudge.
The remainder can be molded in greased molds and dipped in chocolate.

Or, it can be poured on greased tinfoil and cut with greased cookie cutters. Flavorings and colorings can be added along with nuts, chocolate chips,or anything else you can come up with. I made these with Heath bits (little toffee bits) and dipped in chocolate and they were wonderful.

Roll in powdered sugar to help stickiness. This is a very versatile candy
we make every easter.
 


Joann's Peanut Brittle

1 c . sugar
1/2 c.  light corn syrup
1 dash  salt
1  to 1/2 c.  shelled raw peanuts
1 tb butter or margarine (i use -margarine)
1 1/2 tsp.  soda
1 tsp.  vanilla 

Heavily grease baking sheet or jelly roll pan combine sugar, corn syrup and salt in 3 qt casserole Stir in peanuts.  Microwave on high until light brown, 8 - 10 minutes.

Stir in remaining ingredients until light and foamy.  Quickly spread on greased baking sheet.  Spread as thinly as possible for more brittle candy.

Yield:  1 lb.


 

Honey Drops

2 c.  strained honey
1 tbs.  butter or butter substitute
1 tbs.  lemon juice
1/8 tsp. baking soda
few grains salt 

Heat honey to boiling.  Add baking soda, butter, lemon juice, and salt. Boil to hard ball stage (265º - 270º F.).  Pour into well buttered pan. Cool. Pull until white and porous.  Cut in 1 inch pieces.



Fig Butterscotch Drops
 

2 tbs. butter
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. ground california dried figs
1/2 c. ground nut meats
1/2 tsp. vanilla 

Melt butter in heavy frying pan.  Stir in brown sugar and cook until sugar  is dissolved.  Blend well.  Add ground figs and nut meats and remove from fire.  Add flavoring and drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper.



Pralines

4 c. sugar
5 c. pecans
4 tbs. Karo syrup
1  tbs  butter
1 c. condensed milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c.  water 

Mix all ingredients except butter, vanilla, and pecans. Cook on low fire until the mixture forms a soft ball in cold water.  Remove from fire.  Add butter,vanilla, and pecans, and beat until the mixture holds its shape.  Spoon onto buttered wax paper (Add old newspaper under your wax paper.) If candy gets hard before all is spooned out, add a little water, and heat over.  Or you can let it stand on low heat while spooning out.



Divinity and Variations

Basic Divinity
1/2 c.light corn syrup
2 1/2 c. sugar
1/4 tsp.salt
1/2 c. water
2 egg whites
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 c. coarsely chopped nuts

Holiday Divinity
1/4 c. chopped candied cherries
1/4 c. chopped candied pineapple

Chocolate Divinity
6 oz. semisweet chocolate chips
1 c. nut halves (instead of-chopped nuts)

 

Servings: 1 1/2 pounds

In saucepan mix corn syrup, sugar, salt and water. Cook,stirring, until  sugar is dissolved. Continue cooking, without stirring, until a small amount of mixture forms a firm ball when dropped in cold water (248ºF.). Beat egg whites until stiff, but not dry.

Pour about half the syrup slowly over whites, beating constantly. Cook remainder until a small amount forms hard threads in cold water (272ºF.). Add slowly to first mixture, and beat until mixture holds its shape. Add vanilla and nuts; drop by dessert spoonfuls onto waxed paper, or spread in buttered 9x9x2" pan,and when firm, cut in squares.

Holiday Divinity: Follow above instructions, adding candied cherries and pineapple with the nuts.

Chocolate Divinity: Follow above instructions, adding chocolate and nuts with vanilla after beating; then beat until well blended.

Ginger Divinity: Follow above instructions, using the water and ginger syrup for the liquid. Add diced ginger with the nuts.



Crystal Candy

2  c.  sugar
1 c.  light corn syrup
1/2  c. water
1/4  tsp.  desired food coloring
a few drops oil of cinnamon,oil of peppermint, or oil of wintergreen

Line 8x8x2 baking pan with foil, extending foil over edges of pan.
Butter foil & set pan aside. Butter sides of heavy 3-qt saucepan. In saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup and water. Cook over med-high heat to boiling, about 5 min, stirring constantly with wooden spoon to dissolve sugar. Avoid splashing mixture on sides of pan. Carefully clip candy thermometer to side of pan.

Cook over med. heat, stirring occasionally, until thermometer registers 290°, soft crack stage, 20-25 min. Mixture should boil at a moderate, steady rate over the entire surface. Remove saucepan from heat; remove thermometer from saucepan.

Quickly stir in desired food coloring and flavoring. Immediately pour mixture into prepared pan. Let stand 5-10 min or until film forms over surfaces of candy.

Using broad spatula, begin marking candy by gently pressing line across surface, 1/2" from one edge of pan. Do not break through film on surface. Repeat pressing 1/2" along other 3 edges of pan, intersecting lines of corners to form squares.

If candy does not hold shape, it is not cool enough. Let stand a few minutes & start again.
Continue marking lines along all sides, 1/2" apart, until you reach center. Retrace lines, pressing spatula deeper but not breaking film on surface. Repeat until spatula can be pressed to bottom along all lines. Cool completely. Use foil to lift candy out of pan; break into squares. Store covered.

Makes about 1 1/2 lb. of candy.

To make molded candies, oil hard candy molds. Quickly pour mixture into molds. Cool 10 min. or until firm. Invert; twist molds until candies come out. Cool completely.




 

Christmas Hard Candy
 

2  c. sugar
1/2  c. white Karo
1/2  c. water
cinnamon oil, red color
anise oil, blue color
spearmint oil, red color
wintergreen extract, green color
peppermint oil, green color

 

Boil sugar, Karo and water to 300°and immediately stir in 1 teaspoon oil.  Other flavors can be used.


Chocolate Peanut Clusters
 

Yield: 24 candies

1/2 c.  milk chocolate chips -- (Hershey's)
1/2 c.  semi-sweet chocolate chips -- (Hershey's)
1 tbs. shortening -(do not use butter, -margarine or oil)
1 c.  unsalted, roasted peanuts 

 In small microwave safe bowl, place milk chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips and shortening. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 1 to 1-1/2 minutes or just until chips are melted and mixture is smooth when stirred. Stir in peanuts. Drop by teaspoonfuls into 1-inch diameter candy or petite four papers. Allow to set until firm. Store in airtight container in cool, dry place. About 2 dozen candies.

Hershey's is a registered trademark of Hershey Foods Corporation.
Recipe may be reprinted courtesy of the Hershey Kitchens.



Chocolate Easter Eggs
 

Yield: 32 eggs

1 c.  butter; softened
3 lb.  icing sugar
2/3 c. condensed milk
1 tbs.   vanilla
1/2 tsp.  salt
1 lb.  semisweet chocolate,chopped
2 tbs.  vegetable shortening

Icing:
2 lb.  icing sugar
1 c.  vegetable shortening
1/2 c .  milk
food coloring (opt.) 

To increase variety, divide dough into four portions and use extra flavors.In a large bowl, beat butter until fluffy; gradually beat in icing sugar,milk, vanilla and salt. On work surface, knead until smooth. Shape into 3 eggs. Refrigerate
for 1 hour or until firm.

In a bowl over hot (not boiling) water, melt chocolate with shortening;
remove from heat. Using 2 forks, dip 1 egg into chocolate to coat; shake off excess. Repeat with remaining eggs. Place on waxed paper lined baking sheets; refrigerate until chocolate is set.

Icing: In a large bowl, gradually beat sugar into shortening until fluffy.
 Beat in milk until smooth. Divide into batches; beat in food coloring (if using). Decorate eggs.

Extra Flavors: (per one quarter of egg mixture)

Chocolate: beat in 1 tbs. unsweetened cocoa powder

 Maple Walnut: add 2 tbs. chopped walnuts and 1/2 tsp. maple extract

Citrus: beat in 1 tbs. grated orange rind.


Chocolate Dipped Raisins
 

12 oz. raisins
                        Coating
7  oz.  Hershey's® Milk Chocolate Bar -- melted
1  c.   semisweet chocolate discs -- melted

In a saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate bar and disks. Set saucepan in hot water to maintain dipping consistency. Dip several raisins at a time in chocolate. Place in paper candy cup. Repeat with remaining chocolate and raisins. Refrigerate until chocolate sets, about 10 minutes. Store covered in refrigerator.



Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Chocolate Cups:

2 c. milk chocolate chips
2 tbs. vegetable shortening
24 1" paper candy cups

Peanut Butter Filling:

3/4 c. creamy peanut butter
3/4 c. confectioners' sugar, sifted
1 tbs. butter, melted  

Combine over hot, not boiling, water, the milk chocolate chips and vegetable shortening.  Stir until the chips are melted and the mixture is smooth.  Remove from the heat but keep over the hot water. Coat the inside of the candy cups by using 1 t. of the chocolate mixture for each cup.
Place the candy cups in the palm of your hand and rotate gently, using a narrow rubber spatula to push the chocolate up the sides of the cup. Chill.

PEANUT BUTTER FILLING:

In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, confectioners' sugar and butter, mixing until well blended.  Using slightly rounded teaspoonfuls, shape the peanut butter filling into balls.  Place 1 ball in each chilled cup and press lightly with your fingers to flatten. Spoon 1 level tsp.. of the reserved chocolate mixture on top and smooth over to seal. Chill until
firm, about 45 minutes.  Store in airtight container in the refrigerator.


Chocolate Dipped Peanuts
 

16  oz. peanuts

Coating:
7  oz.  Hershey's® Milk Chocolate Bar -- melted
1   c.  semisweet chocolate discs -- melted

In a saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate bar and disks. Set saucepan in hot water to maintain dipping consistency. Dip several peanuts at a time in chocolate. Place in paper candy cup. Repeat with remaining chocolate and peanuts. Refrigerate until chocolate sets, about 10 minutes. Store covered in refrigerator.



Chocolate Macaroon Turtles
   
7 oz. almond paste

1/2 c.cocoa powder

1/4 c. granulated sugar

2 large egg whites

2 c. pecan halves, as needed

 Preheat oven to 400ºF. Combine all of the ingredients, except for the pecans, in the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth. Spoon the mixture into a zip top plastic bag.

Arrange the pecans on a baking sheet in star patterns to form the shape of the turtle bodies. Cut off a 1-inch piece from the corner of the plastic bag.

Pipe the mixture out in the center of the pecans to form the "shells"of the turtles.

 Bake until the surface of the "shells" begins to crack and is set, about 15 minutes.


 

Buttery Pecan Caramels

 64 caramels
 

2 c. sugar
2 c. Half and Half
3/4 c. light corn syrup
1/2 c. Real sweet cream butter
1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
64 pecan halves

In heavy 4 qt. saucepan combine sugar, 1 c. half and half, corn syrup and butter. Cook over med. heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture comes to a full boil (7 to 8 min.). Add remaining 1 c. half and half;continue cooking, stirring often, until small amount of mixture dropped into ice water forms a firm ball or candy thermometer reaches 245°F. (35 to 40 min.). Pour into greased 8" square. pan.
Cover; refrigerate 1 to 1 l/2 hr. to cool. Cut into 64 pieces Drop 1/4 tsp. melted chocolate on top of each caramel; press pecan half into chocolate. Cover; store refrigerated
 
 



Christmas Bonbons

Serves: 33 Bonbons

1/3 c. sugar
 1/4 c. margarine, softened
 1/4 c. plus 2 tbs. frozen orange juice concentrate,thawed
 1/4 c. honey
 1 1/2 tsp. grated orange rind
 1 tsp. vanilla extract
 1 egg
 1/2 c. plus 2 tbs. all-purpose flour
 3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
 1/8 tsp. baking soda
 1/8 tsp. ground cloves
 1/8 tsp. ground allspice
 1/2 c. dried cranberries
 1/3 c. golden raisins
 1/3 c. finely chopped dried apricots
 3 tbs. chopped almonds 

Cream sugar and margarine, using an electric mixer set at medium speed, until mixture is light and fluffy (about 5 minutes). Add juice concentrate, honey, orange rind, vanilla, and egg; beat at medium speed until blended.

Combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda, cloves, and allspice. With mixer running at low speed, gradually add to orange mixture. Stir in cranberries, raisins, apricots, and almonds.

Spoon batter evenly into 33 paper lined miniature muffin pans. Bake at 350º F. for 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool in pans 3 minutes; remove from pans and cool on a wire rack.
 


Chocolate Covered Cherries

Yields: About 3 dozen

2 1/2 c. confectioners' sugar
1/4 c. butter or margarine, softened
1 tbs. milk
1/2 tsp. almond extract
2 (8 oz. each) jars maraschino cherries with stems, well drained*
2 c. semisweet chocolate chips
2 tbs. shortening 

In mixing bowl, combine sugar, butter, milk, and extract; mix well.
Knead into large ball. Roll into 1 inch balls and flatten each into inch circle. Wrap around cherries and lightly roll in hands. Place with stem up on waxed paper lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and refrigerate 4 hours or over night. Melt the chocolate chips and shortening in a double boiler or microwave safe bowl. Holding onto stem, dip cherries into chocolate; set on waxed paper to harden.

Store in a covered container. Refrigerate 1-2 weeks before serving.
The longer the candies sit the juicier the center will be.

A cheap brand of cherries make a very dry cherry so you may not want to drain them much. If you end up with a dry filling store them on the counter for a week, which seems to help some.




Chocolate Peanut Butter Ribbon Fudge     


1 cup smooth or crunchy peanut butter
2 tbs. powdered sugar
2 tbs. melted butter
1 pkg. (12 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate pieces
1/2 cup butter, cut into slices
1/2 of a 7 oz. jar marshmallow cream
2 tsp. vanilla
2 cup granulated sugar
1 can (5.33 oz.) evaporated milk

Mix together peanut butter, powdered sugar and melted butter; set aside. In a large mixing bowl combine chocolate pieces, butter slices, marshmallow cream and vanilla. Heat granulated sugar and evaporated milk in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Boil for 6 minutes, stirring constantly.

Pour over chocolate mixture in bowl and stir until thoroughly blended. Turn half of chocolate mixture into well-buttered 8 or 9 inch square pan. Carefully spoon reserved peanut butter mixture over fudge layer, spreading evenly. Refrigerate until set. Cut into squares and serve or give in individual paper candy cups.

Makes 5 dozen pieces fudge.


Temperatures and Tests for Candy
Temperature Cold Water Test Texture
230° F. thread Little syrup dropped from spoon forms flexible thread.
234°-236° F.
238°-240° F.
soft ball Ball flattens but does not ooze out when pressed between fingers.
242°-248° F. firm ball Ball firm, yet can be flattened a little.
250°-265° F. hard ball Ball very firm, yet plastic. Holds its shape.
270°-290° F. crack stage Ball pressed flat will be brittle under water, bend out of water.
300°-310° F. hard crack stage Ball pressed will be brittle in and out of water.

You will find recipes for Chocolate Candy here: Chocolate Candy








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